Nowruz: Armenian youth more tolerant on Iranians inflow than older people

Both generations speak out against settlement of Iranians in Armenia.

On March 21-28 the tourist inflow in Armenia will reach a record high, with over 20.000 Iranian tourists to arrive in Armenia for Nowruz (Muslim New Year) celebrations.

March 21, 2011

PanARMENIAN.Net - The response of local population to Iranians celebrating Nowruz in Armenian capital varies, some are irritated, others glad; some indifferent to the presence of foreigners in the country, others unaware as to the reason for overflow of Iranian tourists.

The results of the poll, initiated by PanARMENIAN.Net show Armenian youth is more tolerant on the arrival of Iranians during Nowruz than the older generation.

Those aged 18-20 have no idea about Nowrus and are indifferent to Iranians’ visits.

In contrast to them, 21-29 age group responds positively to the visits of Iranian tourists, which, as they say, promote development of economy and tourism in Armenia. According to official data, Armenia’s budget is replenished by USD 20 000 at Nowruz days. However, those who do not object to the visits stipulate conditions, “the tourists must observe the laws of the country they visit.” Many noted that in recent years, some Iranians violated public order, with ensuing conflict incidents reported.

Another group of people aging from 30 to 40 categorically oppose the inflow of Iranian tourists, saying that there are plenty of Azerbaijanis among them, what is inadmissible. “The National Security Service should establish control over the process of arrival and departure of the Iranian citizens,” one of the respondents insisted.

There also people who criticize those opposing to the arrival of Iranian tourists. The Armenian nation is scattered all over the world and it’s ignoble to oppose arrival of tourists from another country, according to them.

However it’s noteworthy that all of those surveyed spoke out against settlement of Iranians in Armenia, what can cause a number of problems, including demands to build mosques, schools and cultural centers.

Operation Nemesis was a covert operation by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation carried out from 1920 to 1922, during which a number of former Ottoman political and military figures were assassinated for their role in the Armenian Genocide.

On November 16, the Special Events Auditorium of Cafesjian Center for the Arts hosted the third annual donation event of the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). In an interview with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, COAF founder Garo Armen shared his thoughts on the goals and prospects of the Fund.